The Big 12 always goes through cycles with its pass rushers. The league is never necessarily short on them, as they're just as coveted as the record-breaking passers the league employs. Instead, the state of the league's pass rushers typically sit in two phases: loaded and reloading.

This year, the Big 12 is reloading, with many of the league's top pass rushers like Jeremy Beal and Sam Acho moving on to the NFL. But while the next generation of pass rushers prepare to make their mark, one of last season's top pass rushers remains to carry the flag in the transition.

Frank Alexander had 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks a year ago, but was overshadowed as Beal made a play as the league's top defensive end. Now that Beal is gone, however, it's Alexander's turn. He enters his senior year with 25 career tackles for loss, despite starting just 18 games in his Sooner career. He's seemingly been on the cusp of greatness ever since a redshirt freshman season saw him earn honorable mention All-Big 12 honors despite only playing in nine games, starting five.
Now that the 6-foot-4, 255-pound athlete from Baton Rouge is a full-time starter, he'll have a great chance to approach double digit sacks, and in doing so lay the foundation for the Big 12's up-and-coming quarterback chasers.